How will Erasmus work for the UK and who can take part?

"Although the first Erasmus scheme from 1987 centred on higher education students, it has widened over the years to become Erasmus+ and include work placements for apprentices, sports coaching, teacher training and school language and cultural projects. UK ministers are keen to highlight the vocational and work experience elements of Erasmus+ membership for students and apprentices. In 2018-19, more than 8,000 UK trainees and just under 10,000 university students used Erasmus."

"Individuals can't apply directly to Erasmus, they apply through participating organisations such as schools, youth groups, colleges or workplaces. The individual programmes can last from two days to a year, and encompass all EU member states as well as associated countries Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein, Serbia, Turkey and North Macedonia. The scheme includes grants for travel, accommodation and living costs as well as course fees and some overheads. Students continue to pay tuition fees to their home institution."

"The UK government will set up a new national agency to administer the Erasmus+ programme, with applications expected to begin from mid-2026 before the UK fully rejoining in 2027-28. During that time, the government will evaluate how well the scheme has promoted opportunities for young people, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds."

The UK will rejoin the Erasmus+ programme, restoring access to educational, vocational and cultural exchanges. The programme covers higher education students, apprenticeships, sports coaching, teacher training and school language and cultural projects. Individuals participate through schools, youth groups, colleges or workplaces with programmes lasting two days to a year across EU member and associated countries. Grants support travel, accommodation, living costs, course fees and some overheads while students continue to pay tuition to their home institution. A new national agency will administer Erasmus+ with applications from mid-2026 and full re-entry in 2027-28. The government will assess uptake and focus on disadvantaged young people.

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